Tales of Berseria: A Second Chance
Chapter 1:
My Own Path
Lately, my mind was constantly reminding me of all the sins and destruction I caused starting my journey. Back on those days, my objective was everything I wanted to get done, to finally end my own life at it's conclusion. I wasn't planning in get involved in others lives, aside using them for my own benefits.
I acted cold, ruthless, threatening everyone who would oppose me, even allies. All I needed was Artorius head sliced by my own hands. Leading my quest to the path of chaos.
He was the world savior, so my desire of wanting him dead made me the Lord of Calamity.
Even so, I realized the consequences of my actions, bottling up my inner fears and problems just before Innominat said them... using his vessel, Laphi to bring my buried despair afloat. The monster I become, opposing his sacrifice, all in a useless quest that started thanks to my own love and affection being betrayed...
If it wasn't for Phi, I wouldn't be able to overcome part of my hatred and despair, as for was remaining, it's still inside me, as a punishment of my own actions, malevolence, alongside the voice of everyone I devoured I often heard.
It's nothing I can just easily move on, not matter the words of affection, or the direct support I receive. Nothing will change the fact that I am Velvet, the Lord of calamity... the daemon who brought disaster to the kingdom.
I don't care if the world hates me, I don't care for those who are meaningless to me. But still... part of my old habits and tenderness continues there, that helped me survive on my path, thanks to the allies I made, and Laphicet... the malak who brought hope inside my heart. And as a new empyrean, decided that I deserve to continue my life...
I personally didn't wanted to accept it. The reality was that this world would never forgive someone as me, never...
Even so, he insisted, "If you're death if what the world needs, I rather let it be destroyed." so as a result I decided to a least give his offer a try...
"If you both finished talking, I want to remind you all that the entire abbey was wiped out and lost their connection with malaks, but the evil nature and chaos in human's hearts still lives on!" Magilou explained releasing a long sigh, "Is gonna be tough for all of us from here on..."
"Yes, it is. Even so... humanity will never lost hope or their prayers for a better future." Phi told us, raising his head toward the horizon, he sounded full of hope. That alone made me smile, proud of how much he grew in our adventure.
"Well said!" Eleanor shouted, sharing the same sentiment as me.
"Malakins recovered their total free will, I wouldn't be surprised if some of them decide to aid you in make this future you both want." Eizen added, looking at Phi and me.
"The future we both want..." I put my left hand over my chest. That's what Phi said, he wanted to create that world using his empyrean power. Recalling our conversation in Meirchio, I guess he hoped that life for others... he can't get it anymore.
"Well then, with these many daemons around, I hope I can find one worthy to have fun!" Rokurou declared looking toward the sky on the exit, grabbing the handle of his sword.
"For now I will be in the Van Eltia. If I find one I will deal with it, with my curse I'm up for a challenge." Eizen walked to his side, "may as well make a safer world for Edna."
"Yup! I will be prepared to face on any remaining daemon, even if I'm not an exorcist anymore!" Eleanor was determined, with a huge smile on her face.
"If i have not options, I go along... though I don't really care about it to be honest as much as saving my life..." indifferent, Magilou joined the conversation.
They all nodded at each other with a smile accepting the consequences, then they looked at me, "Wh-what?" I blinked confused.
"Come on, you're not out of this! There's still daemons out there you can fight or eat, you know?" Rokurou said with a smile, "I thought you would be motivated in deal with them as well."
"It's not like I'm not motivated, of course I take care of any that cross in my way. Simple as that." I put one hand over my waist, looking down uninterested, "I'm still a therion, so if I find any, I just devour them."
"Same harsh Velvet as always, huh... I thought all that crying here, and back in the earthpulse changed you a lot. But is clear you accepted what you are." Magilou smiled, now with her hands behind her nape.
"Of course I did, I already said it a lot of times. I'm not human anymore, if I'm going to live now, better deal with how my appetite works." I focused my eyes on the three of them, wiggling a bit my left hand fingers as a warning.
"I'm not worried in the slightless," Eizen with a sweat on his forehead looked aside.
"Me neither!" Rokurou followed, forcing a smile.
"If you say so," Magilou concluded, taking a step back.
Eleanor opened her eyes a bit more, looking at me worried, "Are you... going to keep eating humans?
"Only If I need to, as I always did. And I will not hold back to whoever tries to attack me."
"Alright, I wanted to make sure..." she looked away, with a bit lonely eyes. "I will continue... traveling the world, I will spread the word about our new Empyrean Laphicet!" She added determined, getting back to her usual self.
Oh the prayers... Phi is still far of reaching his max potential. Like how with time people started having doubts of Innominat and weakened him significantly, I hope my only prayers to him a least becomes real... 'please, I wish everyone to be safe'. Back to topic, if Phi is this strong right now, he has too much unexplored potential that could help to reach world peace.
but before I could ask Eleanor about Phi.
He slightly groaned, "Would you mind not calling me like that? I think it doesn't fit who I am now." He explained a bit doubtful.
"I guess you're right, that's Velvet's name for you." I felt her gaze on me, so I look back at her, giving a nod saying that I understand what Phi tried to meant.
"Thought she already called you like that now and you just let her, don't worry I understand." Rokurou laughed. I rolled my eyes by his words. "Then how the rest of us should call you?"
Phi put his eyes on us again, "By the name Eleanor gave me, my true name 'The one who lives,' that's what Laphicet means, translated into the ancient language..."
"Maotelus" I said with a smile, "It suits you just right, and you will keep living giving us protection..." I lowered my head a bit.
"Are you mad at this, Velvet?" He asked nervous.
"No, I understand. In fact, is better for a Empyrean to use a proper name, rather than one I gave you from painful memories." I pictured Laphi's smile. Although, that was a long gone feeling with Phi, Laphicet is Laphicet and nothing will change that. I finally spoke after a tired sigh, "But I will forever call you Phi or Laphicet, remember that!" I exclaimed with one hand in my chest.
"And that's fine by me, is my real name!" He said to me again, in the same tone.
"Yes, yes, we all know Velvet's in a special position for you. Gosh seriously, how did you ended with a literal god taking you as favorite? I'm jealous!" Magilou asked me a bit agitated.
"I did nothing special, we just happened to create a strong bond through our adventure. Phi saved me so many times... and I wanted him to live," I don't know how I would ever repay his determination, it only comes to my mind keep being supportive of him as I always did, and keep being alive...
"Velvet's like my big sister, of course I will let her." Phi said suddenly to Magilou, his smile could be felt around his voice.
"A god with the Lord of calamity as a sister, I guess no one really will believe it." As Magilou said it, I smirked at the thought, no like I was planning in telling it, I just liked the idea.
"Well then, our deeds here are done. We should get back to Van Eltia, I told the others to gave you a free ride in case we all survive, so choose where to part ways." Eizen explained, starting to walk towards the exit.
"Oh, I'm fine staying with the pirates for a while. Hope you don't mind!" Rokurou followed him.
"I will decide once I get back then, there's many good places to start over for a while, time to make plans Bienfu!" I heard Magilou as I stayed behind, watching them going down the stairs.
I pressed my fist, lowering my gaze. They clearly where planning to survive this battle, listening to their constant promise with each other made me felt jealous of the sentiment. But now that I really survived... I...
"What are you planning to do now? Velvet," Eleanor asked me. She was confident, and I was surprised in her sudden decision for the future. She's clearly the kind of exorcist I used to root for a long time ago.
"Maybe, I just return to Aball for now... my home is still there, but I don't feel like staying there for too long." None of my gone neighbors would like me there, and by none means I could restablish myself in that state.
"I'm going with you then!"
Taking me by surprise, I raised an eyebrow looking at her decided expression, "You have businesses in Aball?"
She giggled, before moving to my side, "Not really, I was planning in rebuilding it. We can give more home for those who really needs it. Even if it first needs a complete restoration... I'm sure with time it can be as beautiful as before."
"As beautiful..." I pictured my hometown, "Yes, you're right. It can happen one day..."
"Of course I'm planning in restoring your house too. But don't worry, you're will be it's owner as long you desire it." She assured worried of a misunderstanding. "So, when we go?"
"Right now, let's tell to the pirates to leave us in Eastgand."
"See you at the port then!" She gave a bow to Laphicet, "Later, Maotelus! I will pray everyday, and talk about you everywhere!"
"I'm counting on you, Eleanor!" He nodded as she finally followed the rest of the team.
It was finally just the two of us, we just looked at each other in silence for a few minutes, until I finally look at Phi's eyes, my lips made a light smile, "I guess... this is goodbye."
He nodded his head, "For now, when I get enough prayers and control over my powers, I can go to visit you when I get free time! I'm looking forward to eat your food again!"
My eyes widened at that proposal, as my smile increased, "I'll always welcome you with open arms, with food ready on my table!"
"I can't wait!" We laughed together, excited for our coming new memories. It probably will take a while before be possible, with some many things to get done before...
Also, what I...
"Velvet, what's the matter?"
Not because I'm alive, or because I saved the world, it mean everything I done so far should be easily forgiven. I already killed and devoured many, as I'm sure some others who are alive are struggling thanks to what I did.
Feeling a pressure in my eyes, I spoke again, "Don't worry, it's just. I thought I was gonna die after this battle... I don't know how to feel." I raised my two hands, looking at my bandage palm, and the bited apple, "Phi, you must have seen it during our travels... humans live in constant struggles, that leads them to commit so many mistakes, even my dear brother's... and me..." I raised my head to him, "I caused too much chaos and destruction... so please, help this world I ruined... help people like me, the weak... this is my last, selfish request to you, Maotelus..."
He kept silent for a while, as he was processing what I was thinking at the moment, then he nodded, "I will, and I forgive you Velvet, I always did." He declared, giving what looks like a bow, "I used to think I couldn't understand you, or why other's are so engaged in their lifestyle, but being at your side, learning to be alive or watching you through your struggles, pain, overcoming despair. I finally discovered it, finding my own purpose... I love you Velvet, and I hope you find your reason to be alive."
"Thank you... I love you too!"
Excited, he move his body side by side slowly for a few seconds. Then he focused his gaze on me one more time, "See you later, Velvet...
I closed my eyelips a bit, I wanted to be by his side for more time, despite how much I'm aware that he grew up to take his own decisions, "Good luck protecting the world, hero..."
I never reached to say this words to Laphi... now, I was able to see this malak grow to build his dream.
This is how probably, mom felt when Celica grew...
After a long time, it was difficult to say goodbye. Even so, my faith in Phi for a better future was still the same, I'm sure he will succeed, not matter how many years, centuries, or millenniums takes. Despite being a therion I don't know if I would live that long to see it happen, I never liked trying to guess what awaits in the future. Even so, I'm relieved to have the most important person for me right now as our Empyrean.
"I'm proud of you Phi."
The next day, we were aboard the Van Eltia. It would take a few more days before we arrive to eastgand.
Eizen and Rokurou were chatting on top of the mastil, none of the pirates can see them anymore. So they preferred to be apart for now. Magilou was practicing some spells with bienfu, who was doing his best to follow her absurd instructions. I don't really know what she was planning to do, but is nothing to worry about. She can take care of herself.
Eleanor was playing tag with Kamoana, running around the deck, with both Dyle and Melissa watching them smiling. I could tell they started to get more close to each other lately, I guess something started as I was in this adventure.
They successfully turned back to normal, including Orthie and Russ, who were watching me at some distance, in silence. I told them I wouldn't come back...
"This should be everything, Velvet!" Said Benwick, as he handed three bag of galds to me.
"This... is a lot." Amazed, I received them. Reading they were around eighteen million in total, "are you sure this is my part?"
"Affirmative! You were the one in charge during this quest, and we followed you're instructions scouting making the map. So it was fair you obtained most of the treasures values" he explained raising one fist. "And this extra bag is Laphicet's part, he told me to pass it to you."
"He said that?" So he really was planning to become an empyrean since days ago. I'm conflicted in never being able to realize...
"Yes, though I didn't expected him to become our new god, I guess I start praying to him from now on." He confidently said, looking at the clouds.
"Me neither..."
"You know, I have a sister. She's always worried if gods really hear our prayers, so is good news to me we got one that would listen. She's gonna be excited!"
"Yeah, I thought the same for awhile... a really long while." I remembered Innominat. "Anyway, thanks for the galds." I pressed my lips for a bit, "No, thank you for everything all of you done for me... despite who I am."
"Don't sweat it! You were a great captain." He laughed a bit, "Laphicet was right saying you're similar to Airfread in some aspects, it was fun when it lasted."
"I'm glad to know, I had fun with everyone too. Even when I was more ruthless..."
"Yeah, you were a pain to deal back then, but still a great leader. Just making me constantly worried if you're gonna eat us for real."
"I can't blame you... sorry about that." as I remember the constant times I was cruel with the pirates, my guilt kept building up inside me. They did their best supporting us in my quest for revenge, and in exchange I treated them as tools as well.
"Nah, not problem. We like to deal with danger. In fact, some of the pirates just liked being scowled or intimidated for some reason..." he said with a palm on his forehead.
"All of you really like to have a crazy life..." my tone was a bit harsher, but I didn't bothered to continue talking about it.
"And Velvet, about the offer Eizen and I told you days ago, did you consider it?"
I smiled again, "Thanks for it, but I pass... I think I already got enough adventures and putting others in danger to really keep pilling them up... I don't want to be the captain." I looked over the horizon, some birds were flying apart, "I count on you to deal with daemons, in Eizen as well."
"We definitely will!"
After a salute from his part, he finally went back to the cabin, leaving me alone in my thoughts.
I put my hands over the railing, part of midgand could be seen from here. Everything looked so peaceful, despite all the recent events, if only that was the case. Taking in mind they don't have exorcist anymore, daemons or rogues would attack at any moment. I said I wouldn't stay in Aball too long but... where do I go? I don't exactly have another home, I never left Aball until that Scarlet night, and I was trapped in Titania for three years.
"I think about it when I get there..." as much I try here, I just keep reaching dead ends.
"Think about what?" Eleanor surprised me with her question, being at my side, "you look lost in thoughts, there's something on your mind?"
I made a slight groan, "A lot, really. It's been a while since I feel, like there's nothing more for me to worry about, or do in my life..."
"That's not true, you wouldn't know until you search it!" She glanced to her front, following her eyes, I looked over Kamoana playing with the dogs, running excitedly on the center. Melissa was even forced to play along, looking over they're normal appearance put my mind at ease, as well a little worry inside me.
"Probably, but all the hobbies I used to had back on those days are gone... I just never got the appeal of enjoy them, since I was busy with Laphi, I almost didn't wanted time for myself. I tried to discover new passtime to share with niko, like knotting, but she's gone now... I don't have nothing to keep learning" I sit myself on the floor, "I don't know what to do..."
Eleanor put one finger under her chin, "Well, you can always work at restaurants or taking care of children?"
"I pass, I rather be in control of everything I need to be a good example and be sure those kids are safe with a well balanced meal," i shrugged my left hand, "And why work in a restaurant, I rather cook alone for the people I want, not for strangers I wouldn't care to see smile."
"Very strict with your knowledge huh... You sound like you want to be a..." her smile disappeared as she realized what she was about to say, I just released a sigh, "So-sorry, I didn't mean to..."
"I guess I'm too obvious sometimes..." I noticed Kamoana hugging Melissa, who was embracing her with care and affection, "After my sister died, I wanted to take care of Laphi as much as I could, my brothers were everything I had left. He used to get sick a lot, so my worries about him grew with my need to act more responsible early on. I just... didn't wanted him to feel sad, troubled, or sick..." I smiled, reminding Laphi. "I just liked, taking care of him, he has too much wishes, like explore the world, become an exorcist to protect me..." I bite my lips, closing my eyes with pressure, "And when I make food, I love to see everyone smile after cooking for them, It motivates me enough to keep doing my best in my culinary abilities, everyone in Aball, specially Laphi and Niko encourage me to improve... even after losing my taste, I still don't give up..."
Eleanor just kept silent, letting me continue.
"Phi saw it through me... I wanted revenge, because that life was everything I ever had, my family... my friends... my daily days... Laphi, even Arthur. Everything gone just to save the world from emotions." I pressed my left hand into a fist digging my nails, making myself bleed, "Now as a therion, without anything but hatred in my heart, I just wanted to devour it all, destroy this miserable world... and their horrible reasons" I raised my gaze again toward the sky, with a hopeless smile. "I'm so selfish, I know... I ended like him...but I don't regret anything I done."
"And you shouldn't be..."
Taking me by surprise, I looked at her shocked, "Why..?"
"My hometown was attacked by daemons, I told you didn't I? Well, the Abbey never went to save my town because It wasn't worth the effort, apparently..." she pressed her both hands, "I wanted revenge against that daemon, and I put that feeling aside for being against the exorcist orders, blinding myself from the truth, I wanted to kill every daemon." She looked at my eyes, "When I met you, It was impossible for me understand you're actions, not even wanting to believe your story... and I'm still sorry about that; you made me realize how much emotions made us feel alive, or in my case, gave me hope..." she smiled, "that's why, I decided to keep fighting at you're side."
I released a dry laugh, "I guess you're more foolish than I thought you were, siding with me. Even with all the people I devoured, or used to justify my means, in a useless quest for revenge that brought the world into chaos." I frowned, angry at myself, "Did I really deserved a second chance? Why not end my tale with an useless sacrifice... I'm nothing, but just a heartless beast."
"I can say the same to you Lord of calamity, you saved the world, you raised a new god, and even try to sacrifice yourself to seal Innominat. You really never considered your own happiness at all, aside the one you left on your past." She gently punched my shoulder, "you're the biggest fool I ever met, and that made me one as well for decide to help you to the very end, and I will not regret it, Velvet Crowe! You were, the world biggest hope!"
Hope? How, just how?
Opening my mouth wide at her words, I blinked twice, shaking my head, "Come on, I don't need to hear that from you... shut up!" I stood, breathing to calm down my emotions, I didn't have a reason to be angry, "But... thank you for everything, Eleanor." I looked down, giving her my back.
Then I felt her two hands over my shoulder, "Always ready to support you, Velvet!"
I released another sigh, alright... I wanted to say, but decided to just keep silent. I was not a person who was good with her words, I rather show it with my actions. So I slightly caressed one of her hands before take some steps ahead.
"Eleanor! Come to play with us!" Kamoana called her waving her hand, she noticed I was looking at her, jumping before hiding herself behind Melissa. Confused, I touched my temple, I had my eyebrows narrow without notice.
"Sorry if I made you angry..." Eleanor put her hands back, looking aside.
"Don't, apologize to me... it was my fault." I was just feeling a bit troubled with myself, I didn't expected to just naturally express it.
"It's something the matter, Velvet?" I turned my head, noticing Melissa and Dyle approaching, Kamoana continued hiding behind the first one.
"No, sorry for bother..." I said in my usual cold tone.
"You really weren't, we just wondered why you looked so lost. I mean, you won against Artorius, didn't you?" Dyle pointed, totally confused, "And why you still have the bandage arm, it actually broke after you became a human?"
"That's..." I raised my other hand, telling Eleanor to stop.
"Unlike all of you, I didn't turn back..." I said as I transform my hand, taking the three of them by surprise, "I'm more surprised you can still see me, all daemons are supposed to be invisible for the many."
Medissa looked over my arm, then the rest of me, "This is just a guess, but maybe it has something to do with just your arm being completely therion?"
"What do you mean, mama?" Kamoana asked her, still not wanting to leave her safety, scared of me. I stopped looking at her to avoid making her feel uncomfortable.
"Unlike the rest of the Therions, it was odd to me how just Velvet's arm seemed affected. Everyone else where transformed almost entirely, or just a little portion remained normal." She explained touching her own hair for a second, then put her hand over Kamoana's head, "you're really unusual..."
Dyle checked my arm with confusion, "Yeah, It was odd for me discover you were a daemon back in the cave, you look entirely normal, and the fact you can revert your hand even more. Why is that?"
Surprised by the sudden realization, I put my right hand on my chin, and crossed the therion one over me, still transformed, "I have two theories. First, it have something to do with Artorius cutting off my left hand when I tried to save Laphi on the sacrifice, making us both fall on the hole of the shrine and awakening Innominat."
Eleanor gasped, covering her mouth, "He... cut your hand?!"
"Yes... but I didn't felt pain... my heart already was too hurt to even care..." I shook my head to get back on the theme, "anyway, Second; Maybe it was just for me trying to intervene with Innominat awakening, so Artorius couldn't exactly do the ritual as usual, making my transformation 'looks' incomplete."
"Looks, incomplete?" Kamoana asked, surprising Medissa.
"Despite just having my Therion arm on the outside, all my body become a therion's as well, the highlighted senses, my strength, the ability to devour with my mouth, losing my taste senses, cold and heat immunity, and the inability to feel satied, almost always hungry.
"Oh, I remember how it feels very well..." Kamoana looked down, sad.
"You're one in a life time kind of daemon then, you really seem to have passed through too much, I threatened you too harshly before..." Medissa put one hand over her chest, "I can't really forgive what you and Dyle had done in Hellawes, many people lost their homes... Even so, I want to thank you properly, not just for saving the world, but for thinking about our safety..."
"Don't misunderstand me, I did It mostly for Phi, but glad you're all safe as well"
Dyle released a laugh, "We honestly wouldn't had liked lost the opportunity to properly say thank you, so Velvet. Thank you for give me a second chance..." taked aback by his words I nodded, with my indifferent expression.
"Me too..." Kamoana started, my face went to express surprise, almost with my pupils shaking. "Laphicet always told me how good of a person you were, and I didn't wanted to believe him, you're scary, and too cruel... I was afraid you would ate me someday. I even was harsh to you when you hug me that time I needed a mom'
"You did?" I felt Melissa gaze on me, but I was focused on Kamoana, so Eleanor nodded in my instead.
She walked toward me, lifting her head to look at my eyes, "Thank you miss Velvet, for don't give up on us... I will never forget you.
"Kamoana..." Failing to still look serious and emotionless, I quickly wiped my little tears and turning around to avoid looking at them on the eyes, "I appreciate you're support..."
Eleanor put herself closer to her and patted her head, "great job, Kamoana! Let's go to play!"
"Yeah! Lets!" And the both of them went to the center of the dock.
Thank you Eleanor.
I heard Melissa releasing a giggle, "She really wanted to thank you the most, but got shy after look at you're expressions." She said gently, "I used to believe you were the worst the world had to offer but... seem you acting like a leader, cooking for everyone in the ship, even trying to sacrifice your life for us... I guess something just motivated you to keep on your actions," she lowered her voice.
"My revenge... that's all I wanted back then. Nothing else..."
"That means, you need to find a new purpose."
"..." I looked her over my shoulder, raising both eyebrows. I wasn't sure what to say, she just read through me as well.
I saw her smile through the corner of my eye, "I wish you the best on your future, Lord of Calamity, we will never forget what you did for us!"
"Same here Velvet, hope we can see you again someday! We are going to build a farm, you will like it!"
"Yes, good luck too..." I said after hear their footsteps distancing from me. It was so overwhelming feel that much gratitude at once, even more from people I thought would always hate me... I grabbed one of my shoulders, with my eyes focused on the ocean. Despite the pain and suffering, I did the right thing... that's basically what Phi and Eleanor wanted me to be sure.
My lips tremble for a bit, somehow scaring me. I don't deserve this... please...
Phi, Eleanor, even the rest of my party and the pirates. They remained at my side to the very end, aware of my actions, justifying the means to my end. Not because it was heroic, but the only way to save the world, and their future.
Over the ocean, midgand was at nothing to be lost in the distance. As how I decided to not leave my decisions and actions behind, the sins I bear will always torment me, not matter If it ended in hope for a good future. I was going to be remembered as the Lord of calamity... and I accepted that fate since I escaped Titania.
My mind just didn't wanted to accept there were people out there that acknowledge my efforts as positive...
There's nothing positive in ruin people's life, I experience it first hand. Then why I became like this? There's even a meaning to keep me alive?
Does Phi and Eleanor really meant I deserve this? I was really the hope for this world?
"You don't deserve it, monster"
"Don't ever forget what you are"
"Why you like to make us suffer so much?"
"I know... I know..."
At dawn few days later, we finally reached my house in Aball once again, looking at everything that was over the silent nature. The outside structures are almost taken by plants, meaning it will dissapear in a few years.
The town that used to be calm, but so active, it's just a shadow of everything that used to be before three years ago...
I pressed one fist at the memory, they--
"So it's still the same as last time, it can be recovered!" Eleanor passed through my side, exclaiming the last part with positivity, directly shifting my thoughts. What?
"Not illusions this time, I guess there's not drama today, boring!" Magilou pointed looking around with her usual boredom. I exhaled shockingly at that.
"I will be around the gate until later, I want to fight the daemons!" Rokurou advised before returning full speed to the main town.
"I didn't mentioned it, but all the descriptions I heard from here were on point. Is a nice place to live, not like I can really say that after years out at sea... but Edna would like it." Eizen described checking the trees and my home structures, "I should write her a letter about it, now..."
This two would never change, didn't they? As the guys were busier in their pass times, and the girls entering my house. I approached the tombs a bit nervous, the pristella Artorius left was still there. I couldn't help but smile for a few seconds at that detail, closing my eyes shut, my mind was conflicted.
"I'm back, Celica..." I kneeled toward her tomb, "You probably didn't expected me to ever come back, but you know... I have nowhere else to go," my lips trembled, "I killed Artorius... I finally free Arthur, I put free our family... but, I'm still alive." My gaze fell on the earth, "When I started this journey, It constantly crossed my mind what I could did different to avoid this fate... I was a bad sister? Did Arthur got bored of us? Did Laphi...hated me for being such... a horrible big sister?" I narrowed my eyebrows a little.
One of the Priestella fell near my boot, so I slowly picked it up, 'Unforgettable treasure'. That's what my sister was for Artorius, with her gone, not even Laphi and I were enough to avoid him fall into this disaster.
My eyes started to feel glossy.
"In truth... it was impossible to prevent. Arthur lost his dear master, so he travelled teaching his knowledge, but none wanted his wisdom anymore," I explained putting the flower back, smiling "You saved him from his despair, welcome him to our life..." I caressed the other tomb, "gave me a nephew..." I pressed my teeth, feeling a hole in my chest. "He just... prioritized his duty over Laphi and me, because the circumstances forced him... I refused every offer from him to move near the capital, Laphi got a sickness that made him offer himself as the sacrifice... I went to interrupt his ritual, turning me into a Therion..." I shacked my head, "the more I discovered this... the more I wanted to hate him, and Laphi as well... but I just... can't," my lips formed a weak smile, "I can't forgive them either, even if they try to justify it by saving the world. Their actions hurted me, making me who I am now, that said, I'm not going to refuse this reality, not anymore..."
I stood in my place and took off two objects I carried, Arthur's sword, and the other half of my new comb, putting them over the graves.
"I wish I could build them tombs, but this is the least I can do for now... I don't know if I will ever live here again, I don't deserve it..." taking some steps back, My gaze turned down, hiding my eyes, "Thank you for everything, Celica, Arthur, Laphi... I will never forgive any of you, but I'm always going to treasure our memories, I was happy..."
Without a place to go, without family, or someone to take care of. That was who I am today, since I became a monster. I was planning on sacrifice myself sealing Innominat, to end this struggle inside my heart once for all giving Phi the life he deserved. But that's not gonna happen, I accepted his decision to let me live, so I will continue living, for now.
The Problem is, I didn't had a reason for wanting to live, I lost all in that Scarlet night. Humans need a really good reason for wanting to keep going forward in desperate times, or remain struggling in the daily life.
Some daemons even keep themselves alive thanks to their grudges against something or someone, and I already accomplished it...
I released a heavy sigh, hardening my tone, "If you want to say something, don't just stand there." I said looking over my shoulder, noticing Eleanor some steps near me. I already sensed her coming.
She gasped, "Sorry! I didn't mean to hear your talking, I didn't wanted to interrupt...
'It's fine, I'm not angry." I shrugged one hand, "I'm more bothered with the fact that you somehow eavesdrop a lot of my conversations." I narrowed my eyes, focusing on her.
"I was wondering what was taking you too long to enter, I really didn't thought you were talking with your sister, excuse me for being so curious..." hiding her hands behind her back, she looked aside with a nervous smile. She wasn't afraid, I can tell, she just didn't liked making others mad on purpose.
"Celica's Tomb is my remaining attachment to this place, I could had sleep here outside if I had the option, but all of you decided to follow me, so we're going inside my house." I standed over one feet, tapping the other, "You know Laphicet doesn't need you as a vessel anymore, you don't need to keep following my orders," I made a slight smile.
She shook her head, "No Velvet, Im here because I wanted to, your orders has nothing to do about it. In fact, I just want to help you..."
"Help me how?"
"Somehow I knew, you wouldn't like what Laphicet planned to avoid your idea of leaving the world in peace..." she kept her gaze lowered.
"Is not like I'm not flattered that he wanted me to be alive, don't get the wrong idea. I just, not sure if it was a good decision... you know who, and how I am..." I hardened my tone at the end, looking my left arm for a second.
"Yes, I know really well... I used to despite you, there's not day I didn't wanted to kill you with my own hands, even if it cost me my life. Acting heartless, with not compassion, eating exorcist..." Eleanor aproached me, "But now, I know you, the real you! You were forced to burden someone else's sins, and I want to help you.
"How can you forgive everything I did...?!" I shouted. I grabbed her wrist and stopped my open left hand near her face, almost hitting her, she flinched for a second. "I thought about devour you many times, threaten to cut your limbs just because I wanted Phi for myself, I tried to force you in kill your own allies... and I destroyed Haria, like I did with Aball..." I let her go, taking some steps back, "I'm just another killer, that's why it's so hard for me to even think about second chances, I can't have a normal life anymore, I'm a Therion, I enjoy being a predator..." steam of malevolence started to appear over me, "I'm a walking poison, so--"
Before I could finish, Eleanor grabbed my left hand, and put it on the side of her neck. That simple ridiculous act made my train of thoughts stop, vanishing my current malevolence as I stared a her in a mix of fear and confusion. Contrary to me, she was serious and determined.
Her skin is so soft, I feel her warmth blood, pulse and taste...
I shook my head, "My arm?!... Let go of it, I could eat you..."
"Then do it if you're really serious about it!"
I opened my eyes wide, "Are you crazy? Dumbass?!"
"Maybe, but I'm not scared. I know you will never do that, you're not like that... because I'm..."
Vel...vet...
Eleanor was shrinking as she was being consumed by my arm. Her blood spilling all over my body, tempting me to bite her with my mouth as well...
Feeling a headache at the nightmare memory I pull my arm away and put it over my forehead, groaning.
"Velvet, what's wrong?" She touched my forehead, her eyes widened in worry.
I pushed away her hand gently with my bandage one, "Nothing... Just a bad memory." I breathe before narrowing my gaze, "Eleanor... I really appreciate what you're trying to say, but I just... can't look forward the future, I have nothing..." In old tales, the Shepherd always won against the calamity, just because this era was slightly different, that didn't meant my life should go for the better.
Villains always suffer the consequences of their actions in one way of another, and I always used to support the heroes in the stories I read...
I never wanted to be the Lord of calamity, were the circumstances, and my soul made me one... even if I go back, change my past, it's not going to change who I am inside...
A horrible girl who just selfishly wants to ruin other lives for the sake of her revenge...
Someone like me, just deserves nothing, but being tormented by her sins...
"Then how about travel with me spreading Maotelus blessing?"
"What..?" For the first time today, my thoughts went away with a single possibility, "why... should I do that?"
"It doesn't matter if it's temporary, until you find your own path. But I don't want you to just being here, alone sulking waiting for your life to end... Maotelus wouldn't like that..."
"But... I'm a daemon, All those people would be in danger...--"
"I was with you all this months and I'm alive thanks to you, stop making excuses about being the worts person in existence, everyone is dangerous, everyone can be evil, even me, I helped you in this quest!" She grabbed my two hands, I was avoiding lifting my sight. "You were just a plain girl who loved her brothers, you didn't deserved this life... that's why we want to help you."
"I..." I kept myself silent, not finding words. I miss my life, I really missed the days I was so happy. After lost it, I took for granted I couldn't go back, disregarding any feelings that would gave me a taste of it again, avoiding being with someone, or trusts again. After all, I'm a monster now... one who devours even humans.
"You didn't told him you would try?..." she inclined her body to meet my gazes with her. Thanks to her eyes, I noticed my expression, melancholy. "Don't be afraid of trying..."
My mouth trembled, as her words reached me entirely. Of course Im afraid... the only person in the world I loved, left me behind... I don't want anyone else make me suffer like that anymore...
Those Eastern historia memories of Arthur and Celica being happy made me jealous. I wish I could have a taste of that kind of life... one where I can cook for others, being at peace with myself, or have someone to share my life...
No one would be like that for me, not after nearly destroyed the world for my selfish quest.
But Eleanor and Phi, stayed with me despite who I am now... maybe my family abandoned me, but them... I can tell they're being genuine... not even what voice in my head tells me otherwise, I believe in their words.
I couldn't look at Eleanor the same way I did the first time we met in hellawes, or when she become Phi's vessel... she changed, as well as me...
If there something the lord of calamity never does, is give up her determination to get what she wants.
And right now, I want to...
Sensing calm and determination in her eyes, I couldn't help but feel relieved of her being this way, "All right, for now I will go with you, Eleanor." I finally said expressing a smile, one I used to do when I was alone with Phi.
This took her by complete surprise, "ah.. Great! Ah, I'm happy you accepted!" She closed her eyes smiling too, with a sweat on her cheek. I released a laugh at that forced expression, shocking her again, "What's so funny? There's something in my face?"
"Yes, you're gonna catch a cold if you're sweating too much," I cleaned a bit of it with my right hand, making her gasp, "let's go inside, I don't want Magilou alone in my house," I sighed the second I got that thought, walking toward the entrance. After a long day, it was for the best cook something with positive thoughts.
"Velvet? My hand!"
I stopped, looking at her over my shoulder, arching an eyebrow noticing I was still grabbing her hand with my bandage arm, "what about it? Let's just go inside, you're not a daemon to endure the cold."
Her face was a dilemma, "I-- Don't mind the cold?!"
"Sure, then I hope you a least mind my house temperature, it's been years..." She didn't answered back, just giggling as I took her inside.
People never change easily, not matter the cause of the darkness inside their souls.
The doubts in my head where still there, but she was right. There's not way I would know if I don't gave myself a try. My future was uncertain, my past tormented me, so I was going to accept the present I created.
And right now, I want to believe my heart can accept hope.
To be Continue
Author notes:
I succeeded in finish this chapter earlier than expected, I hope it gets an idea in what to expect about Velvet from here on. She was saved, but her mind is not really in the best state, it's going to be difficult to overcome but it will be so worth to successfully do.
The game really gave me a slight idea in how Velvet and Eleanor could be friends in different circumstances, in this case at the end. Velvet decided to trust her even more, after all she was lately being proactive on helping her, so let's see how it evolves.
Thanks for reading!